 First '10 Thunderbird sited in CA
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The Triumph Truck was at Cycle Specialties in Modesto, CA today. They had the 2010 T-Bird on display with demo rides on all the 2009 Bikes. This is the California debut of the Thunderbird, and of course we had to be there. I think the bike is a nice fit, don't you? [image]  [/image] [image]  [/image] Enjoy, Amylee & Bob 
AmyLee
'02 America, Cardinal Red,
2018 Speedmaster
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Re: First '10 Thunderbird sited in CA
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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Glad you guys had fun.
Is it just me or does that engine look even more blocky and finless in those shots than other I have seen? That big friggin ugly rad sticks out like a sore thumb too. I like the new risers though.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: First '10 Thunderbird sited in CA
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Don't be so hard on it Ian. It's still a TRIUMPH. Don't look as good as an America though.
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Re: First '10 Thunderbird sited in CA
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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Quote:
Is it just me or does that engine look even more blocky and finless in those shots than other I have seen?
Nope! It must just be YOU, in THIS case, Ian! Because with the angle of the sun almost directly overhead casting a shadow down from that(okay, admittedly SOMEWHAT) "blocky"-looking cylinder head, AND with those cylinder barrels painted black as they are, FURTHER making it pretty darn hard to see what lies UNDER that cylinder head...well...NO, In THIS CASE I believe I HAVE SEEN some other and more clear pictures of this OTHERWISE sharp lookin' motorcycle which would show what you're talking about AND that COULD possibly prove your point here!
(and DON'T forget..THIS unbiased opinion comes to YOU courtesy of the ORIGINAL DUDE who MADE that "fin issue" a "Cause Celebre" around here to BEGIN with...So, I'm thinkin' that maybe you're NOW just TRYIN' to find fault with, as I said here, this OTHERWISE sharp lookin' motorcycle!!!) 
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: First '10 Thunderbird sited in CA
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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OH, and BTW Amy Lee and Bob...Yep! That baby DOES look like a "nice fit" on ya there, now that ya mention it!!!  
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: First '10 Thunderbird sited in CA
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Check Pants
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Check Pants
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Quote:
That big friggin ugly rad sticks out like a sore thumb too.
That's my gripe as well. Why can't Triumph shape and hide a radiator like the new Honda Fury? Now that radiator is svelte.
I've yet to see one in person yet.
Al
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Re: First '10 Thunderbird sited in CA
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Looks great on both of you! But wait,,,let's hear about the test ride!!
University of Da Nang
Class of '68
In the End, the Captain stands alone...
" Fat, drunk, and stupid is no way to go through life, son." Dean Wormer
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Re: First '10 Thunderbird sited in CA
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"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
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Oh man. I think I want one. Hrm.
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Re: First '10 Thunderbird sited in CA
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With the short frount guard it look`s like it will throw a lot of crap onto the radiator , might need an expensive radiator guard from Triumph
What goes round comes round
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Re: First '10 Thunderbird sited in CA
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Check Pants
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Check Pants
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Quote:
Looks great on both of you! But wait,,,let's hear about the test ride!!
It didn't appear folks could ride the bike - but if so, yeah, don't hold back tell us about it!
Al
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Re: First '10 Thunderbird sited in CA
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Nice looking riders and bike. Looks like it would be a great ride.
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Re: First '10 Thunderbird sited in CA
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Joined: Jul 2008
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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The styling of this bike really blows. Shorter wheelbase, chunky motor, buttugly radiator. It obviously wasn't designed by someone who knew or cared about the U.S. market.
'08 America Blue/White; Custom Headlamps, Custom Lowers, Clearview 20", Bafflectomy
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Re: First '10 Thunderbird sited in CA
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Complete Newb
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Complete Newb
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Love the all black look.Probably the color iam leaning toward if i get one,realy sets off the chrome and hides the radiator somewhat.
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Re: First '10 Thunderbird sited in CA
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Learned Hand
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thanks for for the pic's... looks like you guys had a fun day...  and this bike looks great can't wait till we get to check it out up close also Ed 
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Re: First '10 Thunderbird sited in CA
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Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
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Quote:
With the short frount guard it look`s like it will throw a lot of crap onto the radiator ,
Yep, you're right about that! Maybe a little bit of mudflap. Wonder what it sounds like?
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: First '10 Thunderbird sited in CA
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Sorry, no rides as of yet. Believe me if they were offering, I would be first in line. As far as detail comments, I think that's been covered here. The first thing you notice when you take a seat is that 5.5 gallon tank width, and how wide the saddle is compared to the TBA's. I do like the position of the foot controls, which is set back some compared to our bikes. We took more close ups at different angles, so if I can talk Amylee into posting them, you'll can take pot shots at them. Bob
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Re: First '10 Thunderbird sited in CA
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Member
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As hard as I try, I can't quit liking that bike. The more I see of it the more I am drawn in. Thanks for the pics, I think they're gonna cost me some money.
ride when I can, work when I have to
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Re: First '10 Thunderbird sited in CA
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Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
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Yea the rad is a bit chunky bit at least they turned it the correct way this go round. (R3  ) Apparently Tri likes bigggg radiators. That being said I like it and it looks like a beast. Mike
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Re: First '10 Thunderbird sited in CA
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New Tires
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New Tires
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Thanks to you and Amylee for the pics, look forward to more. So far I'm amped about the Thunderbird, but I was too about the RIII, till I saw that ugly tank in person. Got the BA and Thruxton with out seeing one in person and love them both, I'll keep them reguardless of a possible T-Bird purchase.
Never sell a bike or a gun.
Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.
H. L. Mencken
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Re: First '10 Thunderbird sited in CA
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Learned Hand
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Quote:
Yea the rad is a bit chunky bit at least they turned it the correct way this go round. (R3 )
Yep, the radiator on the R3 is a definite eyesore. I guess it's somewhat easier to overlook on that class of bike, but it should have at least been blacked out. You know, the more I see of the new Bird, the luckier I feel to have a BA. If my financies weren't so focussed on other priorities at the moment, I'd probably have two or three by now.
'08 America Blue/White; Custom Headlamps, Custom Lowers, Clearview 20", Bafflectomy
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Re: First '10 Thunderbird sited in CA
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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I love my SM and am not selling or trading it for anything. I would like to take this T bird for a ride though just to compare. More power won't change my mind, my SM goes as fast as I want to go. I am considering a R3T if I get the money to put a hitch on for camping. I can see a rad on something like an R3 but not a parallel twin even though this won't be the first one to have one.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: First '10 Thunderbird sited in CA
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Just got off the phone with an old riding pal of mine who lives up the road a piece from Modesto. (Stockton) He went to see the 'Bird yesterday. (What a pal, he remembered to forget his camera) His 1800VTX (Honda?) was totaled out by a thoughtful cager in November who was certain that both a bike and her SUV could share the same parking space. Now with a pocketful of insurance cash he was in the market for a new ride, I suggested he give Triumph a look and so he did.
I asked his impression as I have not even seen one in the flesh yet. He replied that it was a bit wide, but looked and felt okay for a 'standard cruiser.' (Keep in mind this guy has been seriously shopping bikes for 6 weeks and looked at or test ridden almost everything out there so he may have been somewhat jaded.) Coming off of 1.8 liters, the new Triumph's 1600cc didn't hold the size wow factor for him that it does for us normal folk. His main impression was that it was just another big twin, except the cylinders were parallel rather than fore and aft. Knowing my preference for Triumph and Norton he apologized for dismissing the 'Bird so readily, but said the only appeal it would hold for him would basically be the novelty factor. His conclusion was that people who bought the Thunderbird would do so based not so much on what the bike was, but what is wasn't. (Harley, Japanese, etc.)
Anyway, that is not why he called me this morning. No, my good pal called mainly to rev his new bike in my ear. He bought a an HD Night Rod last night. He said it felt good and had a different profile (longer and lower) from the bulk of what's out there. (Claimed the stealer cut a deal for about the same price as the T-Bird will sell for, but I am sure that had nothing to do with it.) It is his first Harley and he has ordered HD pipes off something called 'Muscle' for it so there will be left and right exhaust.
Naturally he will remember to send pics of that.
2018 FLHCS
2014 Surly Straggler - 16,000 miles and counting!
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Re: First '10 Thunderbird sited in CA
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Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
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Thanks for the pics AmyLee. I think you all do look good on it. Nice looking bike.  I like how they blacked out the radiator rather then enhance it like on the R-3. What's not to love. It's a Triumph!
"Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt at seventy miles per hour can double your vocabulary" Author unknown
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Re: First '10 Thunderbird sited in CA
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OK, here are some close up's that Bob (Habuba) took while we were there. [image]  [/image] [image]  [/image] [image]  [/image] [image]  [/image] [image]  [/image] [image]  [/image] Note the MSRP for here in CA. Not too bad a price.
Last edited by AmyLee; 03/29/2009 4:29 PM.
AmyLee
'02 America, Cardinal Red,
2018 Speedmaster
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Re: First '10 Thunderbird sited in CA
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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I like it even less now that I see the cyl. are cast as part of the case and I assume sleeved. Always hated that design. Gas tank and dash look like a Yamaha. Quality plastic partys I see too like the mount for the rear signals and tag. This bike is a pass for me for sure. Those who buy it I hope you are happy with it but it isn't for me.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: First '10 Thunderbird sited in CA
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Quote:
Glad you guys had fun.
Is it just me or does that engine look even more blocky and finless in those shots than other I have seen? That big friggin ugly rad sticks out like a sore thumb too. I like the new risers though.
Yep. That's one w-i-d-e engine & tank.
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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Re: First '10 Thunderbird sited in CA
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Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
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Thanks a bunch Amy Lee!! Having met you and Bob I get an idea of the size of the bike. And a nice looking bike it is I can see several things that I would change, but hey, I've changed several things on my SM. All bikes are a base for personalizing. Now we need an objective test ride report as soon one is available.
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
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Re: First '10 Thunderbird sited in CA
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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Quote:
The styling of this bike really blows....
A matter of personal taste, which of course you're entitled to have, Jackson.
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...Shorter wheelbase...
What?! You've got somethin' against good handling motorcycles or somethin'??? Or, maybe you haven't heard that the longer the wheelbase and more raked out the forks are on these things makes 'em handle "slower"?!
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...chunky motor...
Once again, a matter of opinion, though I have to admit it might be kind'a sort'a "chunky".
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...buttugly radiator...
Trust me, I've seen FAR worse lookin' radiators on some other "naked" bikes out there! But yeah, as I think Al said above, it probably would have looked better IF it was placed between the two "down tube" frame rails alright.
Quote:
It obviously wasn't designed by someone who knew or cared about the U.S. market.
Well, if you ask ME, the ONLY American they should have consulted about the design of this overall pretty sharp lookin' motorcycle was ME!!! Because the ONLY thing in MY estimation it REALLY needed were those FRIGGIN' FINS, that I keep mentioning to everybody's consternation around here!!!
(but MAYBE you have a point about us Yanks afterall...YEP...'cuz I'm thinkin' most Americans STILL can't seem to wrap their little heads around the concept that a "Cruiser" CAN and SHOULD HANDLE almost as well in the TWISTIES as any other genre of motorcycle can!...but try explaining THAT to most Harley riders out there, HUH?!)
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: First '10 Thunderbird sited in CA
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Joined: Aug 2005
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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I like it. Did you get to ride it? Nice belt drive too 
Erwin
05 America
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Re: First '10 Thunderbird sited in CA
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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What's that little arrow on the bottom of the rear shock? Damping adjustment? Noticed floating front discs. Wonder how many parts will fit our bikes.
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Re: First '10 Thunderbird sited in CA
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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Sure looks like the discs would fit, they even look like SM wheels except not painted. I think the arrow is just the spring adjustment like we have now except it's been covered. Notice the notches above it for the tool.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: First '10 Thunderbird sited in CA
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Joined: Jul 2005
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Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
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Its a nice looking ride , but it just dont talk to me the way my TBA does.i sat on the TBird in Daytona , but that was kinda like that posting without pics saying, useless without riding it (and ofcourse i forgot my camera too/again ) .i doubt i'd buy one but i'll line up for a test ride anyways.
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Re: First '10 Thunderbird sited in CA
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I saw a few at Daytona Beach bike week a few weeks ago. The one at the dealer had arrived just 4 hours earlier, the salesman only knew what the marketing card said, and they weren't allowed to start it.
I was not impressed with the Wunderbird. If I were ever to go back to a cruiser bike I decided it would be the Rocket Touring bike....(well, or maybe the HD Streetglide ??? based on the very attractive saleslady...I am still carrying her card in my wallet!!!! just in case!!!).
---------------------
- 2007 Triumph Tiger
- 1982 Yamaha xj650 Magnum
- Previous 2004 Triumph America
- Previous 1973 Triumph Bonneville T140V 750cc
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Re: First '10 Thunderbird sited in CA
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Joined: Jun 2006
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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The wheels look nothing like the SM wheels, nothing.
Our Liberties We Prize and Our Rights We Will Maintain
If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and will never be.----Thomas Jefferson
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Re: First '10 Thunderbird sited in CA
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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I don't need glasses either. 
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: First '10 Thunderbird sited in CA
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Just wanna say Ian that there were plenty of, ahem, "quality" plastic parts on my Bonneville America when I bought it 7 years ago. Pretty much not many of them left now. That's what a bike is for ain't it, pure therapy, whether it's catching bugs out of mid air or tinkering around in the garage making things the way ya' want 'em. I look forward to the stuff I am gonna get to do to/with this one!
Ride On!
Airguy
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You gotta' be smart to be lazy(and get a job done)
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Re: First '10 Thunderbird sited in CA
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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Yeah I know, really hate all the plastic on our bikes too. Wish the dash wasn't chromed plastic.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: First '10 Thunderbird sited in CA
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Joined: Feb 2007
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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These wheels look way different, NOT.  It doesn't look like that rotor will swap though looks like the Tbird has a smaller center hole and tighter bolt pattern.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: First '10 Thunderbird sited in CA
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Nope, no likeness there. 
Stewart
.......
"It's outside your field of expertise."
"Poppycock normally is."
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Re: First '10 Thunderbird sited in CA
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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I want one...too bad I don't have a job. 
we should do this every weekend!
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